KEY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH 41:6 

They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.

RELEVANCE

Lacking courage when we most need it is a phenomenon. We don't know why it vanishes in specific circumstances, but it does. 

At those times, whether many or few, we need encouragement—something to lift us up. 

What is encouragement?

The Bible is full of encouragement, and for good reason. From God trying to convince Moses to confront Pharaoh to Moses and Paul exhorting their flocks to rise higher, do better, hang on, forego sin, follow God more, and love in a greater capacity, encouragement is a key part of the process of expressing support. 

A few well-chosen words can change a person’s entire direction.   

Encouragement is also a part of the “Good Works” in Ephesians 2:10 that we are reborn to do. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM. 

This means that we should walk in encouragement, not in the sarcasm, mockery or back-handed compliments that so easily fall from some lips. We are called to say and do things that help people grow, not wilt under guilt. 

Sometimes, even the strongest of us need a boost in our spirits from a kind, profitable word. Everyone experiences sadness, fear, weakness, tiredness, gutlessness, and obedience issues. Encouraging words can help bring us through a rough patch. 

How does encouragement work? How does it manoeuvre our hearts and minds from temporarily defeated mortals to spiritual warriors in Christ?

In simple terms, it gives us courage. That may sound obvious, but when we look at the Hebrew and Greek meanings of courage, we delve into some specifics.  

• Boldness, confidence. (Despite our walk of humility, we are also called to be brave in Christ.) 

• Repair. (Most times, our need for encouragement is short-term due to a breach in our courage to stand firm. It repairs that breach.)

• To be strong, grow strong (to get through circumstances)

• To prevail. (Some of life's battles are longer than expected. Encouragement helps us triumph)

• To press, be urgent (To get our act together. To move forward faster than we are )

• To be firm. (Not budging against sin. A timely word may be the very support we need)

• To grow rigid, grow hard. (We are all obstinate for a good cause. A word of support shores us up)

Matt 6.34 Jesus instructs us to take one day at a time. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

This shows that we should not put off our heartening words and actions. People may be in the midst of a big battle, perhaps cancer or a stroke, and need our exhortation of hope to help them through the next treatment. 

Of course, encouragement may be ignored. Moses encouraged the 12 spies to bring back a good report. Be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. (Num 13.20) Although they brought the fruit of the land, they also brought fear. Only two of them took Moses' advice to heart. 

Despite encouragement being a crucial intervention strategy, we may think we are doing good when, in reality, we may not be. Our comments can miss the mark if they are ill-thought-out. Rather than repairing the breach they tear it further. 

One such instance was Hannah's husband's response when she was discouraged about her barrenness. All she wanted was motherhood—to have, hold, and raise her own children. Although Elkanah loved Hannah immensely, he couldn't reach down to the depth needed because he had another wife and children. Therefore, that yearning had already been satisfied within him. Instead of taking on her burden with deeper prayer and perhaps a visit to the High Priest, he said, Am I not better to thee than ten sons? An unsoothing comment. 

When Joshua succeeded Moses, he quickly realised that the buck stopped with him. It was a huge step to go from second in charge to overall responsibility. God knew he needed encouragement, so He gave it.  

Joshua 1.9: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: FOR THE LORD THY GOD IS WITH THEE WHITHERSOEVER THOU GOEST.

Dwell on this for a second. 

Doesn't that sound like Jesus Christ today with us? He is with us wherever we go!  He is telling us today, Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: FOR I AM WITH THEE WHITHERSOEVER THOU GOEST. 

How many times has scripture changed your life for the day? What about when praise has lifted you up from the dust? Or when a friend rings you out of the blue, catching you unawares, "Put the kettle on; I’m dropping in for a cuppa in 20 mins." 

We can't help but praise God for encouragement. It's the air in our lifeboat. 

Jesus said in John 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: BUT BE OF GOOD CHEER; I have overcome the world.

This one verse alone captures the sense of encouragement. 

The Bible, The Holy Spirit, and people encourage us; therefore, as the hands and feet of Jesus, we encourage others. 

PRAYER 

Dear Lord, Thank you for the encouragement I receive. Whatever my life's circumstances, it always lifts me up. 

Photo by Oliver Cole